10 of the best marathons in Scotland

AHEAD of this weekend's London Marathon, Fiona Russell looks at some of the best long distance races Scotland has to offer.

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EXCITEMENT and nerves are about to reach a high for the thousands of Scottish runners taking part in this weekend’s Virgin Money London Marathon . With 26.2 miles to run, their thoughts will be crossing the finish line on Sunday.

But why stop there? Scotland is proud to host its own marathon races, with many taking place in beautiful locations and fabulous settings.

Here are just 10 examples of great Scottish marathons.

1. Cape Wrath Challenge Marathon

Cape Wrath Challenge Marathon

Where: Durness, Sutherland

When: May 21, 2016

Why: Cape Wrath is located in the remote, far north-west of the British mainland and offers a wildly beautiful landscape. This marathon is one of the toughest in the UK but also hugely rewarding thanks to the views and kudos of finishing.

It’s an off-road route, including a climb of more than 2,415ft, with the start line reached by a small ferry across a narrow stretch of sea to the Cape peninsula. This marathon is the culmination of the Cape Wrath running festival, which includes other race distances, and considered a must-do for marathon runners.

2. Edinburgh Marathon

Where: Edinburgh city

When: May 28/29, 2016

Why:The marathon , which takes in many of the Scottish capital’s iconic landmarks and picturesque views along the East Lothian coastline, has been rated the fastest marathon in the UK by leading running magazine, Runner’s World.

Whether you are looking for a personal best time, or simply a road-based marathon that promises a great atmosphere in a famous city, you’ll enjoy this event.

There are other races to take part in including a marathon relay, half marathon, 10k and junior distance.

3. Strathearn Marathon

Strathearn Marathon

Where: Perthshire

When: June 12, 2016

Why: Renowned for its beautiful scenery and rolling hills, Perthshire is the location for a road marathon , which starts and finishes in the village of Comrie. The course is undulating and takes place predominantly on B roads on the south side of Strathearn.

4. Dundee Running Adventure Marathon (DRAM)

Dundee's marathon could be scrapped unless new competitiors sign up.

Where: Camperdown Park, Dundee, Tayside

When: July 17, 2016

Why: For something a bit different this marathon route is described as “rough and ready” and unlike any other in Scotland.

The race begins at Camperdown Park and takes in a mix of terrain and landscapes, including wooded areas, parkland and the northern banks of the River Tay.

There is also a relay option and a Half Dram.

5. Fort William Marathon

Fort William Marathon

Where: Nevis Range, Fort William, Highlands

When: July 31, 2016

Why: Billed as “Scotland’s friendliest marathon”, the race starts and finishes at one of Scotland’s five main ski resorts, Nevis Range, close to the self-proclaimed outdoors capital UK town of Fort William.

6. Baxters Loch Ness Marathon

Why: Now in its 15th year, the road-based Loch Ness Marathon has been voted by Runner’s World magazine as one of the top three running events in the UK.

Unusually the race is an A to B run that heads from near Fort Augustus at the south of iconic Loch Ness north along the peaceful eastern shores to Inverness.

The scenery is spectacular enough to take your mind off the pain in your legs, although the infamous hill in the last eight or nine miles will refocus your mind on the race.

The marathon is part of a festival of running that also includes a 10k, Corporate Challenge, 5k Fun Run and a Wee Nessie for juniors.

7. Glencoe Marathon

Where: Glencoe, Highlands,

When: October 2, 2016

Why: The Glencoe Marathon is an off-road race that links the mighty landscapes of Glencoe with Glen Nevis. It is a challenging race but offers numerous rewards including fabulous Highlands' views and challenges met.

The marathon extends to the usual 26.2 miles but takes in a 500m climb over the mountain pass called the Devil’s Staircase.

If you want a shorter event, try the Mamores Half Marathon or the Glen Nevis 10k.

8. Run Scotland Rannoch Marathon

Run Scotland Rannoch Marathon

Where: Kinloch Rannoch, Highlands

When: October 16, 2016

Why:A road marathon set in the mighty landscape of Rannoch Moor and at the heart of Scotland. The 26.2-mile course takes runners around the relatively flat perimeter of Rannoch loch and includes some undulating sections.

9. Glentress Trail Marathon

Glentress Trail Marathon

Where: Glentress Peel Visitor Centre, near Peebles, Borders

When: February 25, 2017

Why: Glentress Forest is described as the Gateway to the Tweed Valley Forest Park and is better known for more mountain biking than running, yet the forest offers a superb location for trail running.

The Trail Marathon is billed as 42km, which is just more than 26 miles, and has a lot of ups and downs. The route climbs to the very top of the forest to reveal beautiful views over the wider rolling landscape.

There is also 21km Half Marathon and a 10k Trail Race.

10. Meadows Marathon

Meadows Marathon

Where: The Meadows, Edinburgh

When: March, 2017 (exact date to be confirmed)

Why: The Meadows Marathon is a charity marathon that is organised by student volunteers with the goal of raising a much money as possible for Edinburgh Students' Charities Appeal.

The city centre marathon is praised for its all-inclusive atmosphere and friendliness. If you are looking for an early season marathon, perhaps as you build to the London Marathon in 2017, this is a great choice.